“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” on schedule

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Culpeper County High School production takes to the stage next week goes to town in search of a bride. He meets a young woman named Milly, and within a few hours of their first meeting, they decide to marry. His six brothers decide to marry, as well. Conflicts arise among the mountain men and the townspeople due to jealousy, pranks, and misunderstandings.

Culpeper County high school students, teachers and everyone affiliated with the production of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” are gearing up for next week.

Even though the high school production has been challenged with incidents of inclement weather and illnesses, 28 cast members, 12 crew members, and 13 pit orchestra members are enthusiastically preparing for a guaranteed fun evening for the audience.

Working together, Melissa Janes, choir director; Maxine Mitchell, theatre teacher; and English teacher Shannon Metzler, choreographer, began planning the production last May. Knowing that “dancing was going to be a giant part of the show,” the teachers began working with the students on the choreography and songs even before the scripts arrived in the mail.

Tryouts were in October and the male lead was senior Bailey Hayes. Hayes has been in various productions since his freshman year and had practiced the role of Adam for almost three months. Recently, he was hospitalized with pneumonia and had to withdraw from the cast. Janes spoke of his preparation of the role, “He was so proud of his beard.”

Students made quick adjustments and Brian Sauerwald changed from the role of Brother Daniel to the lead as Adam. Instead of having several months to prepare, he only has a few weeks to memorize lines and learn his stage blocking. His new leading lady, Emily Dietz, said, “It was easy for Brian to switch [roles] because his is very talented. He absorbed everything quickly. Bailey would be really proud of him.” Dietz continued, “The cast and crew are the most talented ever. We have all connected and have become a family.”

Director Mitchell would agree. “This is a wonderful group. They are dedicated and determined. Their mindset is that not only are they doing it for themselves, but they are doing it for someone else. They are willing to step out of their comfort zone.”

Metzler added, “There is more choreography in this production than we have asked them to do before, but they’ve worked so well with each other. They have taken ownership and help each other. I like to see them do things they haven’t done before. Having choreographed college productions in the past, Metzler said, “The students enjoy the challenge. They operate with a lot of trust and a lot of hard work.”

Others have worked hard, too. Marsha Hale, the art teacher, has coordinated the set design and parents Jan Thelin and Janine Resau are in charge of costumes. Some of the props have been borrowed from attics and outdoor sheds, including lanterns and milk pails. While some props, such as axes and rifles, are not real, the students have been forewarned to respect the use of the props as if they were.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is the story of an Oregon backwoodsman, Adam Pontipee, who goes to town in search of a bride. He meets a young woman named Milly, and within a few hours of their first meeting, they decide to marry. His six brothers decide to marry, as well. Conflicts arise among the mountain men and the townspeople due to jealousy, pranks, and misunderstandings.

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”
Culpeper County High School
Thursday, Feb. 13 through
Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased at the door:
Adults $10 and Students $5